When passing the practical exam in the traffic police The inspector checks not only driving ability, but also the correct settings of the rear-view mirrors - this is one of the hidden criteria due to which cadets receive penalty points. If the side mirrors are not adjusted correctly, you will not see parallel parking zone, fail to notice a pedestrian in your blind spot, or hit a pole on an overpass. In 2026, the requirements have become more stringent: the inspector can now ask you adjust the mirrors yourself before starting to move - and if you do this with errors, this is equivalent to failure to prepare the car for movement (fine 3 points).
The main problem is that cadets adjust their mirrors “out of habit” or copy the instructor’s position without taking into account individual parameters: height, fit and viewing angle. For example, in Kia Rio and Hyundai Solaris (popular cars in driving schools) the standard mirror setting does not cover the rear bumper area, which is critical when performing the “driving into the garage” exercise. In this article - step-by-step instructions with photos on how to set up the left and right mirrors for the exam, what mistakes lead to failure, and how to check your blind spots in 10 seconds.
Traffic police requirements for setting up side mirrors in 2026
From September 1, 2026 in administrative regulations of the traffic police Changes have been made regarding checking the preparation of the car for movement. Now the inspector has the right:
- 🔹 Ask a cadet demonstrate mirror adjustment before the start of the exam (included in the “Preparation for movement” block).
- 🔹 Fix an error if in the mirrors rear wheel is not visible or the edge of the car (penalty 1 point).
- 🔹 Abort the exam if, due to incorrect mirror settings, the cadet creates an emergency situation (for example, does not see a cyclist when changing lanes).
Official requirements for visibility in side mirrors:
| Parameter | Left mirror | Right mirror |
|---|---|---|
| Rear wheel visibility | Should be visible lower third of the wheel | Should be visible half a wheel (due to larger angle) |
| Horizon | Occupies 1/3 of the top mirrors | Occupies 1/4 top (due to convexity) |
| Side part of the body | Visible 5-10 cm rear door | Visible 15-20 cm of the rear wing |
| Blind spot | No more 1 meter from the side | No more 1.5 meters (due to convexity) |
⚠️ Attention: If you drive with glasses or contact lenses, you need to adjust the mirrors in them - the inspector may ask you to repeat the adjustment if he notices that you are squinting or tilting your head.
Step-by-step instructions: how to adjust the left side mirror
The left mirror is adjusted first, since it less convex and gives a more accurate picture. Algorithm for the traffic police exam:
- Sit in the driver's seat and take a natural position: your back is pressed against the backrest, your hands are on the steering wheel in the “9-3” position.
- Tilt your head towards the windowuntil it touches the glass. In this position you should see rear bumper edge in the lower corner of the mirror.
- Return your head to the starting position. The mirror should now show:
- 🔸 1/3 rear wheel (bottom edge).
- 🔸 5-10 cm rear door (for orientation when parking).
- 🔸 Horizon at 1/3 level from above (the sky occupies the upper third).
💡 Helpful tip: If in a driving school you drive Lada Vesta or Renault Logan, please note that these models have mirrors increased viewing angle. You need to see them less body (3-5 cm doors), otherwise you will hit the racks when parking.
I tilted my head towards the window - I see the bumper|I turned my head back - I see 1/3 of the wheel|The horizon occupies 1/3 from above|The blind spot is no more than 1 meter-->
Right mirror: exam setup features
The right mirror is more difficult to adjust due to convex shape (increases visibility, but distorts distances). Traffic police inspectors often catch cadets making mistakes with this particular mirror. Correct algorithm:
- Lean towards the center consoleso that your head is above the gearshift lever. In this position you should see rear bumper in the lower corner of the mirror.
- Return to normal landing. The mirror should now show:
- 🔹 Half rear wheel (due to distortion of the convex lens).
- 🔹 15-20 cm of the rear wing (more than in the left mirror).
- 🔹 Horizon at 1/4 level from above (the sky takes up less space).
⚠️ Attention: B Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Rapid the right mirror has double curvature - the upper part is more convex. During the exam, set it up so that bottom part the wheel was visible, and at the top there was maximum visibility of the road.
Why does the right mirror distort distances?
The convex shape of the mirror increases the viewing angle to 120° (versus 90° for a flat one), but at the same time objects appear 20-30% further away. For example, if a car looks 5 meters behind in the mirror, it may actually be 3-4 meters away. During the exam, this is critical when changing lanes - the inspector makes sure that you do not “cut off” other cars due to an incorrect assessment of the distance.
Typical mistakes made by cadets when adjusting mirrors
According to driving school statistics, 68% of cadets make mistakes when adjusting mirrors, which results in penalty points. The most common mistakes:
- 🚫 "Tipping" the mirror down — when only asphalt is visible. Reason: the cadet is afraid of not seeing the curb, but loses his view of the road. Consequence: The markings on the overpass are not visible.
- 🚫 Too much body - if half of the door is visible in the mirror, this reduces rear visibility. Consequence: When parallel parking, hitch the adjacent car.
- 🚫 Ignoring the horizon - if the sky occupies half of the mirror, you will not see the car in the next lane. Consequence: fine for not keeping the distance.
- 🚫 Setting "from memory" — when a cadet copies the position of the instructor’s mirrors, not taking into account his height. Consequence: blind spots increase to 2-3 meters.
📌 Key Takeaway: If an inspector asks you to adjust your mirrors, he is not only testing skill, but also understanding of review principles. For example, in the "Turning in a Confined Space" exercise, improperly adjusted mirrors will result in you not being able to see the cone from behind.
Too much of the body is visible|The mirror is “stuck” down|The rear wheel is not visible|Didn’t check the blind spots-->
How to check blind spots in 10 seconds (automotive instructors’ method)
Blind spots are areas that not visible either in mirrors or in peripheral vision. During the exam, the inspector may specifically place a cone in this area to check your attentiveness. To avoid the penalty, use three point method:
- Look in the left mirror and remember the outermost visible point (for example, a parking rack).
- Turn your head to the left all the way - the first invisible point is the beginning of the blind spot. The distance to it should not exceed 1 meter.
- Repeat for the right mirror. Here the permissible blind spot is up to 1.5 meters (due to convexity).
- Check the center mirror: It should not have blind spots on the sides. If you see blurry spots, adjust the tilt.
⚠️ Attention: B Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic Blind spots are larger due to the body shape. In these cars, after adjusting the mirrors be sure to check the review, turning your head 45° to the left and right.
If during the exam the inspector asks you to park in reverse, and you don’t see the pillar in the mirror, don’t turn your head back! Instead drive slowly, looking in the side mirrors, and stop every meterto estimate the distance. This is not considered a mistake if you are in control of the situation.
Features of mirror settings in different cars
There is no universal mirror setting - it all depends on car model, body shape and even seat height. In the table below - recommendations for popular cars in driving schools:
| Car model | Left mirror | Right mirror | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lada Granta/Vesta | 1/4 wheel visible, 5 cm door | 1/2 wheel visible, 15 cm of fender | The mirrors are narrow and require precise adjustment. |
| Hyundai Solaris/Kia Rio | 1/3 of the wheel is visible, 7 cm of the door | 2/3 of the wheel visible, 20 cm of the wing | The right mirror is highly convex - the blind zone is up to 1.5 m. |
| Renault Logan/Sandero | 1/3 of the wheel is visible, 10 cm of the door | 1/2 wheel visible, 18 cm fender | High body - you can see more of the road in the mirrors. |
| Volkswagen Polo | 1/4 wheel visible, 3 cm of door | 1/2 wheel visible, 25 cm of fender | Double curvature of the right mirror—adjustment is more difficult. |
💡 Helpful tip: If you are taking the exam automatic (for example, Toyota Corolla Hybrid), please note that in such cars the seat is often located higher. Because of this, you can see in the mirrors more sky - lower them 5-10° below the standard position.
What to do if an inspector asks you to re-adjust your mirrors
During the exam, the inspector may say: "Adjust your mirrors". This is not a trap, but a test of your skills. Follow the algorithm:
- Don't panic - you have 30 seconds for setup (this is specified in the regulations).
- Start with the left mirror (it's easier), then go to the right one.
- Use the head touch method (described above) is the fastest way.
- Check your blind spots turning your head, even if the inspector does not ask.
- Say it out loud: “Mirrors are adjusted” - this will show your confidence.
⚠️ Attention: If the inspector notices that you adjust your mirrors while driving (for example, on an overpass), this is equivalent to "inability to drive a car" and is punished 5 penalty points (failed the exam).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up mirrors during the exam
❓ Is it possible to adjust mirrors during the exam?
Yes, but only before moving. If you adjust your mirrors while driving (for example, before parking), the inspector will consider this an error. An exception is if the mirror is knocked out of alignment due to external reasons (for example, a cone hit it on an overpass).
❓ What to do if only asphalt is visible in the mirror?
This is a common mistake. Raise the mirror upuntil the rear wheel appears in the lower corner. B Lada Granta and Renault Logan The problem of a “cluttered” mirror due to a low landing is often encountered.
❓ How to check that the mirrors are configured correctly?
Sit up straight and look in each mirror in turn. You should see:
- 🔸 Rear wheel (left - 1/3, right - 1/2).
- 🔸 Part of the body (left - 5-10 cm of the door, right - 15-20 cm of the wing).
- 🔸 Horizon (left - 1/3 from above, right - 1/4).
Then turn your head left/right - the blind zone should not exceed 1-1.5 meters.
❓ Why do cars seem farther away in the right mirror?
Right mirror convex, so it increases the viewing angle, but distorts the distances. To compensate for this, mentally “zoom” objects in by 30%. For example, if a car appears to be 10 meters away in the mirror, it may actually be 7 meters away.
❓ What happens if you can’t see the rear wheel in the mirror?
This blunder, for which the inspector will deduct 1 point. Without visibility of the wheel, you won't be able to accurately judge the distance to a curb or rack when parking. B Hyundai Solaris and Kia Rio This problem occurs most often - lower the mirror 5° down.